For centuries, the Textus Receptus text of the New Testament-the Medieval Greek manuscripts of Byzantine text-type-was the only widely used New Testament text. With the advent of Westcott and Hort's work in the nineteenth century, the Byzantine text was soon considered obsolete and was rarely used by scholars. Today an increasing number of scholars believe the Byzantine text is not inferior but should be considered the predominant New Testament text. Although this was not Sturz's view, his work is valuable for Byzantine supporters.

In The Byzantine Text-Type and New Testament Textual Criticism, Sturz shows why rejection of the Byzantine text is unjustified. Although he believed it might not be the best text, he thought it has value in New Testament criticism.

Divided into two parts, Sturz's book outlines the views of prominent New Testament critics who have opposed and supported the use of the Byzantine text.

Part I discusses the theory of Westcott and Hort and cites their reasons for considering the Byzantine text secondary, discarding it, and formulating their own interpretation of the most valid text of the New Testament. This is followed by a rebuttal of two earlier scholars who believed the Byzantine text is the "primary" text.

In Part II, Sturz indicates his reasons for believing that the Byzantine text is should not be "set aside." As Sturz says in his opening chapter: "The Byzantine text should be recognized as having an important and useful place in textual criticism because it is an independent witness to an early form of the New Testament text."

This volume includes an extensive bibliography, and subject and Scripture indexes. These are intended to aid students desiring to do further reading and research on textual criticism.

 ISBN 1-890133-15-9

Order this 306 page perfect bound book directly from the publisher for $12.00 plus $2.00 postage/handling. To order just send a check the publisher given below.

               Biblical Viewpoints Publications
               63100 County Road 111
               Goshen, IN 46526

               Phone: 574-875-8007
 

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